Aston Villa put his P45 in the post, but Pulis has nurtured and encouraged the young Scot and is now collecting interest on his investment.

And for Arsenal fans – yes, this is the same Marouane Chamakh who flattered to deceive in North London.

He was the match­winner against West Ham last Tuesday and yesterday ensured there would be no comeback for Cardiff with a 57th-minute second goal.

Cardiff ? They looked tidy enough at times but there was little penetration although they will point to a remarkable third-minute save from Julian Speroni to keep out Fraizer Campbell’s goalbound header as a critical moment. “We have to take those chances,” said manager Malky Mackay. “We had three inside their six-yard box. And we have to defend our box better. It is about fine lines.”

Palace built on their reprieve and four minutes later were ahead. The lively Jason Puncheon turned Declan John inside out, crossed and Cameron Jerome headed past David Marshall.

Jerome was a bustling nuisance and Chamakh was unrecognisable from the bit-part existence he endured at Arsenal.

Jedinak was the epitome of composure in central midfield. If Gary Medel is Cardiff’s pitbull then the Australian Jedinak is Palace’s rotweiler. Take him on at your peril.

Chamakh sealed the win when he drove the ball home after Ben Turner could only clear a cross to the Morocco striker 12 yards out.

Cardiff responded but Peter Odemwingie and Jordon Mutch wasted excellent chances in the later stages which could have set up an interesting finale.